Job Description / Duties

Shenandoah Conservatory is seeking nominations and applications for an exceptional teacher and collaborative pianist passionate about vocal coaching to join the Conservatory’s Vocal/Choral Division. This full-time and career-contract track position begins in August of 2024. The chosen candidate will further strengthen Shenandoah Conservatory's profile and reputation as Virginia’s premiere, inclusive and innovative place of study where musicians from diverse backgrounds develop into dynamic and inspiring performers.

Responsibilities will include:

1. Applied coaching for students in BM, MM and DMA performance curricula
2. Teaching 2-semester diction sequence: Singer’s Diction I & II
3. Remaining responsibilities to be divided between preparation and music direction of opera scenes and/or productions

Other possible teaching assignments are dependent on department or Conservatory needs and candidate qualifications. Contributions to program recruitment as well as Conservatory-wide collaboration are expected.

Qualifications / Required Skills

D.M.A. or equivalent professional experience in a field relevant to vocal and opera coaching. Evidence of coaching experience in a university setting as well as professional companies, festivals and/or young artist programs; working knowledge of language and diction in Italian, French, German and English; thorough knowledge of operatic and art song literature.

Additional Information

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, curriculum vitae and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Additional materials such as links to teaching videos or course materials may be requested after initial review by the committee.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Contact Information

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Fotina Naumenko at fnaumenk@su.edu

Employer Profile

About Shenandoah Conservatory: Founded in 1875, Shenandoah Conservatory has an extraordinary legacy of shaping the arts in Virginia and beyond. Located at the head of the beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA, the Conservatory is now home to over 700 students from across the nation and globe enrolled in baccalaureate, masters and doctoral curricula in the areas of music, theater, and dance, and includes a distinguished faculty of more than 125, half of whom are full-time. Based on the main campus of Shenandoah University, the Conservatory is within easy driving distance of Washington, DC and is easily accessible internationally via Dulles International Airport. As a visionary and collaborative arts community, Shenandoah Conservatory educates motivated students in a supportive and inclusive environment and equips them for professional success.

About the Vocal/Choral Department: Led by 7 full-time and 13 part- time faculty, the Conservatory’s Vocal/Choral Division oversees an exceptional array of programs. The Conservatory’s Choral Program includes a Grammy®-award winning choir with extensive international touring experience and work with premier conductors. The Conservatory’s Opera Training includes one mainstage production and Opera Up Close, a black box theater production each year. Shenandoah Conservatory has a distinguished and leading association with voice pedagogy and was the country’s first institution to offer a master of music in Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Voice Pedagogy. The summer CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute has attracted more than 1,000 voice teachers since its inception, making the Conservatory the go-to center for CCM training both nationally and worldwide. Ranked among the best in the nation, the Conservatory’s Musical Theatre program has achieved a significant national profile, and is anchored in a robust partnership between the Theatre and Vocal/Choral and Dance divisions. Finally, Voice-Science Research is a central part of the Conservatory’s 21st century outlook, and is fostered by its Voice Research Center that enables the Conservatory to contribute vital data about the voice to peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals worldwide.

Please visit www.su.edu/conservatory for more information.